Fractional Talent in Life Sciences: Why HR & Leadership Matter More Than Ever
Event Date: July 16, 2025
Fractional talent in life sciences is becoming a critical workforce strategy for biotech and pharma companies navigating rapid change. On July 16, the Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) and FOCM (Friends of Chris Matheus) hosted a virtual networking event focused on how fractional HR and leadership models are reshaping the future of work across the life sciences industry.
During the session, Karen Haslbeck,—an experienced leader in HR and talent acquisition across the biotech and pharma sectors—shared timely data and practical insights. In particular, she explained how fractional leadership models are helping organizations stay agile while still accessing senior-level expertise.
A Shift in the Workforce Toward Fractional Talent in Life Sciences
To begin, Karen opened the discussion with a compelling statistic. According to a recent Harvard Business Review survey, the number of fractional leaders in the United States increased from 2,000 in 2022 to 110,000 in 2024. This rapid growth highlights a fundamental change in how companies approach leadership and talent strategy.
As companies aim to remain lean, many are rethinking traditional full-time executive roles. Instead, fractional professionals provide experienced leadership on a flexible basis. This approach allows organizations to adapt quickly while controlling costs, which is especially important for startups and small to mid-sized life sciences companies.
Transitioning to Fractional Talent in Life Sciences
Preparing for Fractional Talent Roles in Life Sciences
Next, Karen and several participants shared practical advice for professionals considering a transition into fractional roles. In particular, they emphasized the importance of preparation and structure. Key recommendations included:
- Forming an LLC or S-Corp and consulting with a CPA to ensure proper setup and compliance based on state requirements.
- Obtaining professional liability insurance to protect both yourself and your clients; Donna Berk recommended CM&F Group as a strong option.
- Using tools like QuickBooks to manage finances and streamline tax preparation.
At the same time, the group addressed potential challenges. These included state-imposed limits on contractor engagements and the need to manage multiple clients without losing focus or quality. Planning ahead, participants noted, is essential for long-term success in fractional work.
The Value of Fractional Talent in Life Sciences for Companies
From a company perspective, hiring fractional talent offers several clear advantages. For many organizations, fractional talent in life sciences offers immediate access to experienced leadership without the risk or cost of long-term executive hiring. For example, organizations can bring in experienced leaders quickly without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. This flexibility reduces hiring risk while providing immediate impact.
Importantly, Karen emphasized that companies should not wait too long to seek support. Engaging fractional expertise early can prevent costly missteps. She shared an example of a startup that hired an ill-fitting full-time team and later required a full organizational reset.
Similarly, Pam Hurley shared a success story involving a fractional operations manager who delivered high-impact support during a critical growth phase. Her experience reinforced the value of flexible leadership during periods of change.
Key Questions and Real-Time Insights
As the discussion continued, participants explored several timely questions shaping the future of work in life sciences:
- How are professionals successfully transitioning from full-time roles to fractional work?
- Are there roles that are not well-suited for fractional engagement?
- What other industries are seeing a rise in fractional hiring?
- What are the true pros and cons of bringing in fractional talent?
Additionally, Deb Kientop and James Pishock noted increased interest in fractional leadership among biotech CEOs. Their observations reflected a broader trend toward flexible, expertise-driven workforce models.
Action Items and Next Steps
Before closing, attendees walked away with several actionable next steps:
- Connect with Karen Haslbeck for insights and potential opportunities, as she mentioned upcoming client openings later this fall.
- Meet with a CPA to set up your business structure correctly and explore tax advantages.
- Evaluate professional liability insurance options through CM&F Group, especially if your role involves strategy, compliance, or operations.
Final Thoughts on Fractional Talent in Life Sciences
Overall, the July GLSA / FOCM Monthly Virtual Networking Event sparked a thoughtful and timely discussion on how fractional talent is reshaping the life sciences industry. For professionals seeking flexibility and for companies needing expertise without long-term overhead, fractional work offers a powerful solution.
Thank you to Karen Haslbeck for sharing her expertise and to all attendees for contributing valuable perspectives. We look forward to seeing you at future GLSA / FOCM events.
Stay Connected
GLSA hosts monthly networking events via Zoom, typically on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM ET. These open-house sessions provide an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate across the life sciences community. Join us in December for a special holiday-themed networking event.
To stay updated on future events, make sure to sign up here:
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You can also join the Women of Life Sciences LinkedIn group:
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Our Mission
The Global Life Sciences Alliance is dedicated to connecting people and companies within the clinical research industry. With a network of over 100 clinical research service providers, GLSA helps solve challenges and foster meaningful collaboration. When you face a need or obstacle, don’t hesitate to reach out—supporting you is what drives us.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event and continuing to make an impact together.
About GLSA
Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) connects biotechs, pharma, CROs, and clinical research sites with the right experts, advisors, and solutions to accelerate development and reduce risk. With a network of more than 200 trusted partners spanning pre-clinical and clinical research, GLSA offers flexible, cost-effective access to specialized expertise and services that support early-stage biotechs, mid-size pharma, and global pharmaceutical companies.
When you need trusted, global resources to accelerate your research, GLSA helps you scale smarter and move you forward with confidence.
To learn how GLSA can support your organization, connect with Denise McNerney or Chris Matheus for a conversation about your goals and challenges.